Letter: Cliff, Downs Have Priorities that Will Protect Wayland

Editor's Note: For a full collection of support letters for these candidates, click on their hyperlinked names at the bottom of this letter under "Related Topics."

To The Editor,

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a coffee for our friends to meet both Gordon Cliff, who is a candidate for Board of Selectmen, and Jeanne Downs, who is a candidate for School Committee. We don't often get involved in town politics, but we do have great concern for all things wonderful here in Wayland! It was clear to everyone who was there that the priorities of both candidates will best protect our towns greatest assets — strong schools, open space and a variety of town services for all ages and demographics.  

Gordon wants to do more than to simply protect what we have though. He described how we need sensible investing in our community’s infrastructure in order to remain desirable. In Gordon's realistic approach is the understanding that we won't get something for nothing! That the answer to growing our assets does not come from simply cutting services, but that we need to continually evaluate what we are paying for in efforts to consolidate, build efficiencies and work collaboratively. This will enable us to keep intact what we value- maintaining necessary staff and services and protecting open space.  In addition, this allows us to invest wisely in new initiatives such as DPW  and Senior facilities. Gordon sees a big picture vision and understands that short-term gains may only serve to inflate problems in following years. 

Jeanne believes that the role of the School Committee is to ensure that all kids are educated equally and fairly in an effective and fiscally prudent manner.  Her goal is to set up an environment where risk-taking is safe-guarded and open expressions is encouraged. As a mother of four who continues to reap the benefits of our great schools, Jeanne’s efforts are focused on the future students of this town and therefore, continuing to enable our schools to pick the best teachers, coaches, administrators and the best programs so that no child in Wayland is left behind.

As parents with students in Claypit and WMS, we want to make sure the town is set up for being strong not just this year and next, but when our youngest (now in 1st grade) will be enjoying her senior year in high school, and then, subsequently, when we will be empty-nesters enjoying a town that has continued to thrive and grow with the times. 

Gordon Cliff and Jeanne Downs’s approach is set up to keep Wayland strong now and in the future.  Please vote for Gordon Cliff for Board of Selectmen and Jeanne Downs for School Committee. 

Robin and Tripp Jones
7 Old Sudbury Road

Check out coverage of Wayland's 2013 Town Election, including all the Letters to the Editor, on our topic page, Wayland Town Election 2013.